NIRMALA KANDALGAONKAR, founder, Vivam Agro Tech
After my children grew up, I wanted to do something useful for society NIRMALA KANDALGAONKAR
Nirmala Kandalgaonkar, 64, founder of vermi-composting tool provider Vivam AgroTech and mother of three, credits her success to her supportive family. Like most young mothers, Nirmala’s first priority had been looking after and nurturing her kids. “Motherhood has always been my first job. But after my children grew up, I wanted to do something useful for society,” she says. In building her novel concept of managing waste, she has been assisted by her husband and children. Perfectly juggling her personal and professional life, she feels that it is true passion and dedication towards your work that matters the most. “There weren’t any conflicts in my family regarding my work. They understood its potential and worth and have been supportive from the beginning. My younger son did an MBA in Finance and now handles finances at Vivam. My elder son and daughter help in running our offices across different cities. Even my extended family never complained about my job,” she says.
Running from pillar to post and striking a balance in her life are two things that Nirmala has mastered by now. “I get up early and start my day with an hour of yoga, and then go about preparing meals. After that, I am completely in work mode. Even at this age, I drive from one village to another, swim and stay fit and healthy.”